Today we’d like to introduce you to Ibtissam Attie.
Hi Ibtissam, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began long time ago with a spark of interest that ignited my passion for languages. I grew up in Lebanon, and since an early age, I found myself drawn to languages and started learning and exploring different cultures. Lebanon had always maintained excellent cultural and economic ties with France, and French language is still serving a bridge to connect the two countries. My fascination with languages led me to pursue a Master of Arts in French Language and Literature at Holy Spirit University in partnership with Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris III in France. I taught French as first and second language for 12 years in Lebanon and moved to Chicago in 2008 after my wedding. At the beginning, I stayed home to raise my kids. That decision brought mixed emotions and challenges. I had to go back to the classroom for my sanity, and finding a balance between my family commitments and my professional responsibilities was crucial. Proud of my Lebanese culture and heritage, I obtained my certification and started my path as an Arabic teacher in Chicago, sharing my values, culture, and love for languages. In 2016, the opportunity came to my husband to move to Dallas. We decided to embrace new experiences, expand our skillset, and advance our career. In 2019, I went back to college and earned a master in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas Arlington. I set the bar high for personal and professional growth, challenge the stereotypes, and inspire my kids and students. Returning to college required a lot of courage and determination. Balancing family responsibilities, work commitments, and the demands of academic life was not easy. My goal in life is to always inspire my kids and students to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. They see me as a role model and try so hard to keep this beautiful image. After the Beirut explosion in August 2020 and the most devastating financial situation that hit Lebanon, I felt an urgent need to help Lebanese people by providing opportunities for work, and the idea of CRAFT N TALK was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving to United States in 2008 was an exciting and challenging experience. I faced a culture shock, and adjusting to a new society and culture was overwhelming. Moving from Lebanon, away from my family and friends, led to feelings of loneliness and to emotional challenges. I left behind my social network and refused at first to connect and establish new relationships. I felt homesick every single day. My husband was supportive and helped me to overcome all the feelings and integrate in the new environment. Having a full-time job and feeling financially independent again were the best approaches to adjust in the States. I am now pleased with how I have endured and developed as a resilient mom, educator, and entrepreneur. The path for CRAFT N TALK was not easy but sure rewarding. Collaborating with the artists overseas helping and empowering them, provide me a sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a foreign language teacher for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. HEB ISD is the most diverse district in the state of Texas, and I am proud to share my language and culture with such a diverse community that embraces differences. Throughout my career and with the help of Qatar Foundation International (QFI), I connected my students with the Arab world and provided opportunities for them to travel, to promote the language, and to discover the Arabic culture and civilization. I have an extensive experience teaching Arabic and French to native and non-native speakers. I am also a Language Consultant, a Learning Design Strategist, and Curriculum Writer for these languages. All these opportunities helped me to grow professionally and to increase my professional network. I also taught in the International Baccalaureate program and was involved in STARTALK, a federal grant program that funds and supports summer language camps. I feel privileged and blessed to have been given all these opportunities. My path was not easy, but for sure successful.
In 2021, I started CRAFT N TALK to support Arabic teachers and artists to overcome their financial situation. It’s an educational company that delivers quality artistic lessons in the language classroom. The sessions are delivered online by talented native speakers from the Arab world. They focus on the artistic side of the Arabic culture, whether through calligraphy, music, Arabic instruments like Oud and Darbuka, and different kinds of arts. These sessions immerse students in the Arabic language and allow the artists to share their talent and expertise. Many organizations have supported us in our path, especially QFI, through different grants that help all the Arabic teachers in USA and Canada to implement these sessions in their classrooms.
To date, CRAFT N TALK has helped many friends, especially Lebanese, to generate an extra income to overcome the financial obstacles and provide for their daily needs. The economic crisis in Lebanon has had a negative impact on the educational system, and educators were one of the most affected sectors.
What makes you happy?
I find happiness in my daily life, whether it is through my family, my work, and my relationships. Pursuing a career that aligns with my passion and contributing to a cause I deeply care about, in my situation, my mission with CRAFT N TALK provides a profound source of happiness. I am very energetic, and I am proud of myself and of all the accomplishments I achieved. My life feels vibrant and fulfilling. I like to become the better version of myself, surround myself with friendships, and pursue my personal growth. I take time to appreciate all the blessings that life offered me and feel forever grateful to all the people who supported and encouraged me. Practicing gratitude increases my happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: craftntalk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craft_n_talk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076556912508
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/craft-n-talk/?viewAsMember=true
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CRAFTNTALK1
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CRAFTNTALK
